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Connections Hints for December 18, 2024 #555

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for December 18, 2024 #555

Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2024-12-18. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.

Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.

Yellow Category — December 18, 2024

Green Category — December 18, 2024

Blue Category — December 18, 2024

Purple Category — December 18, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — STYLES OF BEER

Why is “BOCK” in the Green group?

a strong, dark German beer

Purple group — ___ DOME

Why is “TEAPOT” in the Purple group?

a type of dome-shaped building, like the Teapot Dome in Wyoming

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (December 18, 2024)

Several words in today's puzzle have multiple meanings or obscure definitions that can throw you off. Here's what each one means in the context of this Connections grid.

HEDGE
Definition: to reduce financial risk
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a garden boundary
HANDLE
Definition: to deal with a situation
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a part of an object
BITTER
Definition: a style of beer
Why it's tricky: can also describe a taste or emotion
SHORT
Definition: to sell a security not owned
Why it's tricky: can also describe something of little length

Connections #555 explained

Why these words connect (December 18, 2024)

Understanding the logic behind each group helps you spot similar patterns in future puzzles. Here's the reasoning for every category in today's Connections.

Yellow group: DEAL WITH

These words are all verbs that mean to handle or manage a situation, often in a difficult or challenging context. They can be used interchangeably in certain situations, but have distinct connotations and uses.

Green group: STYLES OF BEER

These words are all styles of beer, each with its own unique characteristics and brewing methods. They are often distinguished by factors such as flavor, color, and ingredients.

Blue group: INVESTMENT VERBS

These words are all verbs that describe actions taken with investments, such as buying, selling, or managing. They are often used in the context of finance and trading.

Purple group: ___ DOME

These words are all types of domes, often referring to buildings or structures with a dome-shaped design. They can be found in various contexts, including architecture and geography.

Red herrings and trap words explained

These words were designed to mislead you. Understanding why they don't belong where you first think sharpens your game for tomorrow.

HOLD

Seems like it belongs to: DEAL WITH

Actually belongs to: INVESTMENT VERBS

While 'hold' can mean to deal with, in this context it refers to holding a stock or investment.

HANDLE

Seems like it belongs to: INVESTMENT VERBS

Actually belongs to: DEAL WITH

Although 'handle' can be related to finance, in this context it means to deal with a situation.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.

Why “HOLD” didn't go with DEAL WITH

Seems like: DEAL WITH → Actually: INVESTMENT VERBS

While 'hold' can mean to deal with, in this context it refers to holding a stock or investment.

Why “HANDLE” didn't go with INVESTMENT VERBS

Seems like: INVESTMENT VERBS → Actually: DEAL WITH

Although 'handle' can be related to finance, in this context it means to deal with a situation.

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